IGNOU launches MBA in Agribusiness Management to empower agricultural professionals

NEW DELHI: Indira Gandhi National Open University's (IGNOU) School of Agriculture has announced the launch of a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Agribusiness Management programme, designed to prepare skilled business professionals to enhance the agricultural business sector and the economy of farmers. The two-year programme can be completed within a maximum duration of four years, with admissions open for the July 2024 session currently. Candidates holding a bachelor's degree in any discipline are eligible to enrol in this programme.

The MBA ABM programme from IGNOU aims to develop professionals capable of managing farm businesses and agro-based industries profitably. Unlike traditional universities with limited capacity for such programmes, IGNOU’s offering through the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) system ensures wider accessibility.

The course targets a diverse range of participants, including fresh graduates, progressive farmers, agricultural extension workers, traders, intermediaries, technicians, managers in agro-industries, and enterprises dealing with farming inputs and outputs. It also caters to professionals from non government organisations (NGOs), cooperatives, farmers producers organisation (FPOs), self help groups (SHGs), corporate entities, and financial and marketing organisations.

The MBA programme focuses on fostering managerial skills and providing need-based education to improve efficiency and generate livelihoods in the agriculture sector. The objectives include generating competent business professionals in agriculture, food, rural, and allied sectors and encouraging startups and entrepreneurship among farmers, intermediaries, and traders within the agribusiness chain. It also covers horticultural production, post-harvest management, livestock, agri-equipment, renewable energy in agriculture, organic farming, food safety and quality, and agricultural extension, providing a robust foundation for managing various aspects of agribusiness.